Camp shade inquiry

[beteg]

Hi all - not sure if this is where I post some questions for help with shade structure build - if not allowed please delete.

We have a 20x30’ shade cloth that we use every year- this year we are not bringing the poles (super tall rusty heavy poles that we have to pound into playa with super tall ladder and back breaking to get out after) that make sure the shade stays secure for two weeks - my question is what are some budget friendly and playa sturdy options to use for this? Thank you!

[some seeing eye]

I use 2"x3" by 8' or 10 poles with Aluminet in a tensegrity structure. You can add poles in the middle with an upside down plate or bowl to lift the interior.

IMG_2250 (1).jpeg

[Token]

I use 2"x3" by 8' or 10 poles with Aluminet in a tensegrity structure. You can add poles in the middle with an upside down plate or bowl to lift the interior.

IMG_2250 (1).jpeg

Big props for the “engineering paper”!!!

Prolly want to note that you need mad rope and rigging skills like a seasoned pirate seaman to tie all that down …

Didn’t see any of that in the drawrings.

[Popeye]

I've always used EMT and couplings, T's, etc. They work well and are relatively inexpensive. I Tie them down with ratchet straps. I don't use bottom plates and haven't had too much of a problem with sinking into the playa. Ratchet straps can be used inside the "walls" and used to tie the top together. 10' EMT is a pita but cut the uprights to clear the tents (7'?). The 10' top pieces can be cut to 5' for transport and coupled back together. Don't use electrical couplings.
I've always used 3/4 EMT and never had a problem although I did have a carport turn into a pretzel one year.

[some seeing eye]

I use 2"x3" by 8' or 10 poles with Aluminet in a tensegrity structure. You can add poles in the middle with an upside down plate or bowl to lift the interior.

IMG_2250 (1).jpeg

Big props for the “engineering paper”!!!

Prolly want to note that you need mad rope and rigging skills like a seasoned pirate seaman to tie all that down …

Didn’t see any of that in the drawrings.

Thanks as always Mr Token!

I have 5 or 6 knots learned as a kid. The trucker's hitch I learned from ePlaya! The trucker's hitch has been replaced by China-made ratchet straps, but it is still excellent.

There is expensive shade on the playa, but I go for cheap solutions with year around use or resale value. 1" EMT is $20 for a 10' stick in Oregon, so you have to pay a lot to join that cult. If I wanted metal I would go for used chain link fence tubing. With either, the brackets are expensive.

[Jon Sarriugarte]

We use a custom made EMT variant that we have been making since 2003 to fund our art and camp. It knocks down to 62" poles, lag bolts, has bags and boxes for parts and works great. Let me know if you have any questions. https://www.blackrockhardware.com you can also find our shade discussion board on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackrockhardware